A Complete Guide to the Lawyer Code of Ethics

What is a Code of Ethics?

When talking about a code of ethics within a business, the Houston Chronicle says that, “a well-written code of ethics should give guidance to employees on how to deal with certain ethical situations.” It can be as short as ten simple rules (like Kraft’s code of ethics), or it can be elaborated by a 16-page document (like Verizon Wireless).

Take a look at these resources to see more about how different companies and professions form a code of ethics, and how you would go about forming one yourself:

Lawyer Code of Ethics

The legal field feels a unique pressure to ensure that they remain above reproach, as demonstrated by these opening lines of the New York Lawyer’s Code of Professional Responsibility: “The continued existence of a free and democratic society depends upon recognition of the concept that justice is based upon the rule of law…” Lawyers, in turn, are guardians of that law. Therefore, their code ethics is unquestionably strict. Below are three areas of a lawyer’s professional responsibility:

Client-Lawyer Relationship. As the American Bar Association states so emphatically, trust “is the hallmark of the client-lawyer relationship.” Here are some of the rules that solidify this:

When talking to a person who does not have legal representation, a lawyer is obligated to make it clear that they are acting in the interests of their client and not as a disinterested third party (Colorado Bar).

Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession. With a unique responsibility to uphold justice, all lawyers are held to a high ethical standard. Here is a taste of what is required of a lawyer, and how they can be stripped of their right to practice law:

Most states require prospective lawyers to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam in addition to the state bar exam before they will be allowed to practice law (National Conference of Bar Examiners).